[Site Fwd] [Minagahet Chamorro] An Open Letter from Gaza

Michael Lujan Bevacqua's Minagahet Chamorro
Tuesday, January 04, 2011
An Open Letter from Gaza

We the Palestinians of the Besieged Gaza Strip, on this day, two years on from Israel's genocidal attack on our families, our houses, our roads, our factories and our schools, are saying enough inaction, enough discussion, enough waiting – the time is now to hold Israel to account for its ongoing crimes against us. On the 27th of December 2008, Israel began an indiscriminate bombardment of the Gaza Strip. The assault lasted 22 days, killing 1,417 Palestinians, 352 of them children, according to main-stream Human Rights Organizations. For a staggering 528 hours, Israeli Occupation Forces let loose their US-supplied F15s, F16s, Merkava Tanks, internationally prohibited White Phosphorous, and bombed and invaded the small Palestinian coastal enclave that is home to 1.5 million, of whom 800,000 are children and over 80 percent UN registered refugees. Around 5,300 remain permanently wounded.

This devastation exceeded in savagery all previous massacres suffered in Gaza, such as the 21children killed in Jabalia in March 2008 or the 19 civilians killed sheltering in their house in the Beit Hanoun Massacre of 2006. The carnage even exceeded the attacks in November 1956 in which Israeli troops indiscriminately rounded up and killed 275 Palestinians in the Southern town of Khan Younis and 111 more in Rafah.

Since the Gaza massacre of 2009, world citizens have undertaken the responsibility to pressure Israel to comply with international law, through a proven strategy of boycott, divestment and sanctions. As in the global BDS movement that was so effective in ending the apartheid South African regime, we urge people of conscience to join the BDS call made by over 170 Palestinian organizations in 2005. As in South Africa the imbalance of power and representation in this struggle can be counterbalanced by a powerful international solidarity movement with BDS at the forefront, holding Israeli policy makers to account, something the international governing community has repeatedly failed to do. Similarly, creative civilian efforts such as the Free Gaza boats that broke the siege five times, the Gaza Freedom March, the Gaza Freedom Flotilla, and the many land convoys must never stop their siege-breaking, highlighting the inhumanity of keeping 1.5 million Gazans in an open-air prison.

Two years have now passed since Israel’s gravest of genocidal acts that should have left people in no doubt of the brutal extent of Israel’s plans for the Palestinians. The murderous navy assault on international activists aboard the Gaza Freedom Flotilla in the Mediterranean Sea magnified to the world the cheapness Israel has assigned to Palestinian llife for so long. The world knows now, yet two years on nothing has changed for Palestinians.

The Goldstone Report came and went: despite its listing count after count of international law contraventions, Israeli “war crimes” and “possible crimes against humanity,” the European Union, the United Nations, the Red Cross, and all major Human Rights Organizations have called for an end to the illegal, medieval siege, it carries on unabated. On 11th November 2010 UNRWA head John Ging said, “There's been no material change for the people on the ground here in terms of their status, the aid dependency, the absence of any recovery or reconstruction, no economy…The easing, as it was described, has been nothing more than a political easing of the pressure on Israel and Egypt.”

On the 2nd of December, 22 international organizations including Amnesty, Oxfam, Save the Children, Christian Aid, and Medical Aid for Palestinians produced the report 'Dashed Hopes, Continuation of the Gaza Blockade’ calling for international action to force Israel to unconditionally lift the blockade, saying the Palestinians of Gaza under Israeli siege continue to live in the same devastating conditions. Only a week ago Human Rights Watch published a comprehensive report "Separate and Unequal" that denounced Israeli policies as Apartheid, echoing similar sentiments by South African anti-apartheid activists.

We Palestinians of Gaza want to live at liberty to meet Palestinian friends or family from Tulkarem, Jerusalem or Nazareth; we want to have the right to travel and move freely. We want to live without fear of another bombing campaign that leaves hundreds of our children dead and many more injured or with cancers from the contamination of Israel’s white phosphorous and chemical warfare. We want to live without the humiliations at Israeli checkpoints or the indignity of not providing for our families because of the unemployment brought about by the economic control and the illegal siege. We are calling for an end to the racism that underpins all this oppression.

We ask: when will the world’s countries act according to the basic premise that people should be treated equally, regardless of their origin, ethnicity or colour – is it so far-fetched that a Palestinian child deserves the same human rights as any other human being? Will you be able to look back and say you stood on the right side of history or will you have sided with the oppressor?

We, therefore, call on the international community to take up its responsibility to protect the Palestinian people from Israel’s heinous aggression, immediately ending the siege with full compensation for the destruction of life and infrastructure visited upon us by this explicit policy of collective punishment. Nothing whatsoever justifies the intentional policies of savagery, including the severing of access to the water and electricity supply to 1.5 million people. The international conspiracy of silence towards the genocidal war taking place against the more than 1.5 million civilians in Gaza indicates complicity in these war crimes.

We also call upon all Palestine solidarity groups and all international civil society organizations to demand:

- An end to the siege that has been imposed on the Palestinian people in the West Bank and Gaza Strip as a result of their exercise of democratic choice.
- The protection of civilian lives and property, as stipulated in International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law such as The Fourth Geneva Convention.
- The immediate release of all political prisoners.

- That Palestinian refugees in the Gaza Strip be immediately provided with financial and material support to cope with the immense hardship that they are experiencing
- An end to occupation, Apartheid and other war crimes.
- Immediate reparations and compensation for all destruction carried out by the Israeli Occupation Forces in the Gaza Strip.

Boycott Divest and Sanction, join the many International Trade Unions, Universities, Supermarkets and artists and writers who refuse to entertain Apartheid Israel. Speak out for Palestine, for Gaza, and crucially ACT. The time is now.

Besieged Gaza, Palestine
List of signatories:

General Union for Public Services Workers

General Union for Health Services Workers

University Teachers' Association

Palestinian Congregation for Lawyers

General Union for Petrochemical and Gas Workers

General Union for Agricultural Workers

Union of Women’s Work Committees

Union of Synergies—Women Unit

The One Democratic State Group

Arab Cultural Forum

Palestinian Students’ Campaign for the Academic Boycott of Israel

Association of Al-Quds Bank for Culture and Info

Palestine Sailing Federation

Palestinian Association for Fishing and Maritime

Palestinian Network of Non-Governmental Organizations

Palestinian Women Committees

Progressive Students’ Union

Medical Relief Society

The General Society for Rehabilitation

General Union of Palestinian Women

Afaq Jadeeda Cultural Centre for Women and Children

Deir Al-Balah Cultural Centre for Women and Children

Maghazi Cultural Centre for Children

Al-Sahel Centre for Women and Youth

Ghassan Kanfani Kindergartens

Rachel Corrie Centre, Rafahoc

Rafah Olympia City Sisters

Al Awda Centre, Rafah

Al Awda Hospital, Jabaliya Camp

Ajyal Association, Gaza

General Union of Palestinian Syndicates

Al Karmel Centre, Nuseirat

Local Initiative, Beit Hanoun

Union of Health Work Committees

Red Crescent Society Gaza Strip

Beit Lahiya Cultural Centre

Al Awda Centre, Rafah

Text Fwd:[Mahdi Darius Nazemroaya] The March to War: Was September 11 2001 the Start of World War III?

Global Research
The March to War: Was September 11 2001 the Start of World War III?
by Mahdi Darius Nazemroaya

The tragic attacks of September 11, 2001 have resulted in almost ten years of perpetual war. September 11, 2001 was the first drum beats, or the opening salvos, of a much wider conflict. The deployment of U.S. and NATO troops in Afghanistan has secured a bridgehead into the Eurasian Heartland, which is geographically positioned on or near the borders of Iran, China, India, Pakistan, Russia, and the former Soviet republics of Central Asia. Was Afghanistan the starting battle of a global war? The invasion of Afghanistan can be compared to the landing of the Western Allies, specifically the Americans, in North Africa as a bridgehead into Italy and Europe. At the same time NATO has been pushing from Europe towards the Eurasian Heartland, like the landing of the invading forces of the Western Allies in France.

Was September 11th, 2001 the start of the Third World War?

Historically speaking, it should be noted that distinctions between times of war and peace are not always clear-cut and conflicts do not always correspond to the dates set and standardized by historians. War was not even declared in the cases of many past conflicts, such as in the early 1700s when Augustus II of Saxony-Poland invaded Livonia or when Frederick IV of Denmark invaded Holstein-Gottorp. Also, in the cases of many conflicts, attempts were always made to cloak or hide the nature of the conflict as being a war or an act of aggression. The Romans and other imperial powers regularly engaged in this type of conduct.

Examples in history are the abstract chronological dates customarily used by historians to note important points in the Second World War and the start of the Cold War. In Western Europe and North America, the starting date for World War II is considered to be September 1, 1939, when Germany invaded Poland. For the former Czechoslovakia, March 16, 1939 (the date Germany invaded Czechoslovakia) was the starting date for the Second World War. In Russia and the former U.S.S.R. the start date of the Second World War is 1941, the date the Germans invaded the Soviet Union. Even the end date for World War II in Europe is different, because Germany officially surrendered to the Western Allies (namely the U.S., Britain, and France) on May 8, 1945 and to the Soviet Union on May 9, 1945.

The above dates are all set from an ethnocentric European perspective, which leaves out Asia. The history of World War II starts much earlier in Asia. Many consider the start of the Second World War to have been when Japan invaded China in the Second Sino-Japanese War in 1937, two years before 1939. Even before 1937, since 1931 the Chinese and Japanese were in conflict and 1931 too can be seen as the start of World War II.

The various dates and events for the start of the Cold War also vary, because of the identification of various events as the Cold War’s opening salvo(s). The 1945 American-Soviet tensions over the occupation of the Korean Peninsula, the Azerbaijan Crisis (1947-1948) arising from the Soviet occupation of Iranian provinces, the near wins for the Communists in national elections held in France and Italy (1947-1948), the struggle for power between the Communists and the non-Communists in Czechoslovakia (1947-1948), and the West Berlin Blockade (1948-1949) are also viewed as starting dates for the Cold War. Even events taking place during the Second World War, such as the Yalta Conference, the Tehran Conference, and the dropping of the atom bomb on the Japanese in Hiroshima and Nagasaki by President Harry Truman as a threat to the Soviets (about U.S. supremacy in the post-war order) are considered as the starting dates of the Cold War.

This question about dates also gives rise to another point in historiography. The nature of history is seamless and not the arbitrary one unintentionally made out by historians and history textbooks. One set of events leads to another. Just as how the First World War led to the Second World War and the Second World War led to the Cold War, the Cold War has led to the “Global War on Terrorism.”

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[Site Fwd: Sabbah Report] International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People 팔레스타인 민중을 위한 국제 연대 행동의 날, 11월 29일

* Image source: same as the link

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Sabbah Report
International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People
by Stephen Lendman on December 3, 2010
Dec. 3, 2010

On November 29, 1947, the UN General Assembly passed Resolution 181, the Palestine Partition Plan, granting 56% of historic Palestine to Jews (with one-third of the population), 42% to Palestinians, with Jerusalem designated an international city (a corpus separatum – separate body) under a UN Trusteeship Council. The area included all Jerusalem, Bethlelem, and Beit Sahour, to encompass Christian holy sites.

Resolution 181 called for an Independent Arab state by October 1, 1948, asking:

"all Governments and peoples to refrain from taking any action which might hamper or delay the carrying out of these recommendations," the Security Council to be empowered with "the necessary measures as provided for in the plan for its implementation."

However, Israel's 1948 "War of Independence" intervened, creating the Jewish state on May 14, 1948 on 78% of historic Palestine, excluding Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

On December 2, 1977, the General Assembly (GA) passed Resolution 32/40 A and B, stating its deep concern:

"that no just solution to the problem of Palestine has been achieved and that this problem therefore continues to aggravate the Middle East conflict, of which it is the core, and to endanger international peace and security."

It reaffirmed "that a just and lasting peace in the Middle East cannot be established without the achievement, inter alia, of a just solution of the problem of Palestine on the basis of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including the right of return and the right to national independence and sovereignty in Palestine, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations."

Urging the Security Council to act promptly on this matter, the GA declared, "commencing in 1978, the annual observance of 29 November as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people."

On December 1, 2005, the GA requested that the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People and the Division for Palestinian Rights (CEIRPP), as part of the International Day of Solidarity observance, to continue organizing an annual exhibit or cultural event on Palestinian rights in cooperation with the Permanent Observer Mission of Palestine to the UN. It also encouraged Member States to widely support and publicize the day that should have established an independent Palestinian state.

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Video Fwd:[Ten Thousand Things Blog] Young Jews Disrupt Netanyahu at Jewish General Assembly 젊은 유태인 청년들, 네타냐후의 뉴오를리안즈 유태인 연방 총회 연설시 시위!

From the Ten Thousand Things blog,
Speakers contemplate Palestinian human rights, urge action at Tokyo event
Nov. 16, 2010

Young Jews Disrupt Netanyahu at Jewish General Assembly
A great protest, recommended! 강력 관람 추천!

젊은 유태인 시위자들은 간격을 두고 잇달아 네타냐후의 연설을 끊으며 이스라엘의 [팔레스타인] 점령이 이스라엘을 불법적인 국가로 만들고 있다 비판하면서 차례로 끌려나감



For the background of the movie, please click the link above and refer to Kimberly Huges' article.

Video Fwd: ISRAELI SOLDIERS SHOOT KIDS FOR PICKING UP RUBBLE 이스라엘 군인들, 돌조각들을 줍는다는 이유로 어린이들을 사격하다

Bruce Gagnon blog
Oct. 21, 2010
ISRAELI SOLDIERS SHOOT KIDS FOR PICKING UP RUBBLE



Some would call this genocide......

Video Fwd: ISRAEL BLOCKS PALESTINIAN EDUCATION

Bruce Gagnon blog
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
ISRAEL BLOCKS PALESTINIAN EDUCATION



'Israel announced weeks ago that it would ease its siege on Gaza, but students who want to travel to the West Bank to study are still banned - as they have been for 10 years. To publicise the problem, the Israeli human rights group Gisha has created an online game that demonstrates just how difficult it is to leave the Gaza strip. '

[국문] Text Fwd: [Koji Sugihara] Stop Muji from expanding into Israel! 「무인양품 (無印良品)」의 이스라엘 진출을 중단시키자 ! 〜「혈인악품 (血印惡品)」이 될 것인가?〜

____________________________________________________________________

* Thanks to a Japanese activist, M.S. the below information with the Korean translation article (* translation by Ichi) in a Korean organization that has worked on the solidarity with Palestine was provided on Aug. 23, 2010. The English title after Korean is her translation. According to M.S., Koji Sugihara ( No! to Nukes and MD Campaign) asks the people in Korea as well as in the world to be informed with his campaign to stop Muji from expanding into Israel. 'Muji is an international Japanese shop chain of plain, ordinaly lifestyle materials for young adults.' The Korean translated article was loaded in the Peace Making website as well.

According to M.S. the Muji is also connected to a Korean company Lotte. The activists, Incheon, Korea have been fighting long time to boycott Lotte against its golf course field in the Gyeyang Mt. in Incheon, which will destroy the ecology system of Incheon.

일본 활동가 M. S. 의 최근 이 메일에 의하면 핵과 미사일 반대 단체의 코지 수기하라가 최근 중저가 소비 상품으로 전 세계 기업망을 펼치고 있는 Muji 산업 (한국에서 무인 양행 이라 불리는 http://www.mujikorea.net/ (Muji Korea ) 의 이스라엘 기업 진출을 반대하는 글을 전하고 있고 최근 한국어로도 번역되어 팔레스타인 평화 연대 웹사이트에도 실렸답니다 (아래) 코지 수기하라와 M. S. 는 이 글이 많은 한국인들 분께도 블로그나 트위터들을 통해 알려지길 부탁했읍니다. 영어 제목은 M. S. 로부터 온 것입니다.

M. S. 도 지적했듯이 무인 양행은 롯데 기업과도 관련을 맺고 있읍니다. 인천 계양산 롯데 골프장 반대 투쟁을 하시는 분들은 롯데 제품에 대해 오랫동안 보이콧 운동을 펼치신 바 또한 있읍니다.
http://cafe.daum.net/nogolfyespark

M. S. 의 이 메일에 따르면 그 외 참조 사이트는
http://www.mujikorea.net/_mania/mania-photozenic.asp?menu=mania

아래 기사는 평화 만들기 웹사이트(클릭)에서도 볼 수 있읍니다.
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http://pal.or.kr/xe/139518

무인양품 (無印良品)」,「혈인악품 (血印惡品)」이 될 것인가?
반다

Stop Muji from expanding into Israel! ~Will they end up 'Blood-tainted bad items! ?

2010.08.20

「무인양품 (無印良品)」의 이스라엘 진출을 중단시키자 !

　〜「혈인악품 (血印惡品)」이 될 것인가?〜

Stop Muji from expanding into Israel!

~Will they end up 'Blood-tainted bad items! ?

수기하라 코우지 (핵과 미사일 방위에 No! 캠페인_일본)
Campainger: Koji Sugihara ( No! to Nukes and MD Campaign )

무인양품」(이하, 무인)(주식회사 양품계획: 良品計画) 은 2011년 중에 이스라엘 진출을 결정했다고 한다.

이스라엘의 기업 카이리 그룹과 라이센스 계약을 맺고, 상표의 라이센스 공여와 상품 공급을 할 예정이라고 한다. 텔아비브이나 예루살렘에 1호점을 오픈한다는 계획이다. 양품 계획은 스스로 “일계 소매 기업으로서 진출은 첫 번째” 라고 웹 사이트에 마치 자랑처럼 언급하고 있다.

어떻게 지금 이스라엘에 진출하는가? 지금이야 말로 이스라엘 보이콧이 전 세계적으로 고조하고 있는 때인데.

무인 측의 설명은 이렇다. “(이스라엘의) GDP는 2008년 가을 이후의 세계 경제 불황의 영향에도 불구하고 약세이지만 성장하고 있고, 2010년은 회복의 징조가 보이기 때문에 진출의 가치가 충분하다고 판단했습니다” 요컨대「잘 벌수 있을 것이다」라는 의미이다.

오랫동안 국제법을 위반하고 (팔레스타인에 대한)점령을 계속해왔으며, 가자(Gaza)학살이나 봉쇄, 그리고 인도주의적 지원선 공격 등 수많은 인권침해를 반복해온「불량국가」. 고립 장벽 즉「아파르트헤이트 월」을 쌓아, 전쟁 범죄를 지속적으로 저지르면서도 처벌 받지 않고 있는「무법 국가」. 그러한 이스라엘에 일본 소매점으로서는 역사상 처음으로 진출하는 것에 대해, 무인은 어떤 의의를 찾고 있는가. 나쁜「선구자」로서 오명을 새기는 짓은 그만 두는 게 자신 위해 나은 선택 일 것이다.

「팔레스타인의 평화를 생각하는 모임 (일본/오사카) 」이나 「팔레스타인 정보 센터」등의 요청에 따라, 이미 많은 사람들이 무인에 대해 진출 중지를 요청하는 노력을 해 왔다.

그러나 그에 대한 무인 측의 답변은 어이가 없다. 가라사대, 이스라엘에서의 활동은 “단순한 상품 공급” 에 불과하다는 것이다. “당사의 희망은 분쟁의 원인이 된 여러 문제들에서 벗어나, 세계 속의 가능한 한 많은 생활인 여러분들에게『무인양품』의 상품을 통해, 당사가 생각하는『검소한 삶』을 제안하며 만족을 얻게 하는 것입니다”.

“단 순한 상품의 공급” 이 커다란 정치적 메시지를 갖는다는 것을 인식하지 못할 리가 없는데. 이스라엘을 향한 유명 일본 기업의 첫 진출은, 이스라엘 측이 더 이상 원하는 게 없을 정도의 정치적 지원과 다르지 않을 것이다. 그것은 이스라엘 정체성을 용인하는 sign (＝무인無印의 ‛인印’ ) 이 될 것이다. 그리고 무인에 이어서 일본 기업의 (이스라엘)진출 문턱은 더욱 낮아 질 것이다.

그건 그렇고 “분쟁의 원인이 된 여러 문제들과 벗어난” 형태의 상업 행위라는 것이 존재하는가? 분쟁의 원인이 된 무법 행위에 눈을 감은 채 ‘검소한 삶’ 을 주장하는 것은 어이없는 태도이다. 그러한 비논리를 무인이 진심으로 믿고 있다면「재출발하라!」고 할 수 밖에 없다.

5 월 하순에 휴먼 라이츠 나우(Human Rights Now)의 초빙으로 일본을 방문한 라지 스라니 (Raji Sourani. 팔레스타인 인권센터: Palestinian Center for Human Rights) 는 “우리들은 카프카(=Franz Kafka)의 세계에 살고 있다” 고 말했다. 보호받을 권리를 마땅히 가지고 있는 가자(Gaza)의 시민들이, 원래 제재의 대상이 되어야할 이스라엘로부터 오히려 ‘처벌’ 당하고 있다. 그러한 전도를 허락하는 것은, 미국이나 유럽 정부들의「묵인에 의한 공모」때문에 가능한 것이다. 일본 정부도 공모의 코넥션에 참여하고 있다. 인도지원선 가자 자유 (free gaza) 호에 대한 이스라엘군의 습격과 학살을 비난하며, UN인권이사회는 독립조사단 파견을 요청하였으나 이에 대해 일본정부는 기권이라는 부끄러운 선택을 했다.

덧붙이자면 무인양품의 기업 행동 이념에는 “성실하고, 더 정직하게”, “모든 것에 대해 커뮤니케이션을” 라고 적혀있다. 아파르트헤이트 국가 이스라엘에 처음으로 진출하여 이익을 얻는 것이 과연 “성실” 한 행위인가. 진출 중단은 결과적으로 무인의 기업 이미지를 보전하는데 도움이 될 것이다. 그런 사람들의 고마운 의견을 무시하는 것은 “커뮤니케이션” 거부 행위이다.

다행히 무인양품은 유명기업이다. 많은 소비자들이 그 존재를 인지하고 있기에, 무인양품의 기업 활동은 광범위에 전달될 것이다. 그리고 프랑스, 파리에 8개 점포가 진출하고 있는 등, 보이콧 운동이 강한 지역에도 이미 진출해 있다. 현재까지는 무인은 진출 결정을 재고하는 자세를 전혀 보여주고 있지 않다. 그러나 이미 에가와 쇼코 씨 (江川紹子, 저널리스트. 옴 진이교〈オウム真理教〉문제를 비롯한 일본 내 사회문제부터 국제정세까지 넓은 분야로 발언 중) 등이 무인의 이스라엘 진출에 대한 비판을 하기 시작했다. 앞으로 운동이 넓어짐에 따라 진출 중지라는 결정이 내려질 가능성이 충분히 존재할 것 같지 않은가.

나는 1995년, 프랑스가 남태평양에서 핵실험을 연속적으로 강행했던 무렵, 항의행동의 일환으로, 프랑스 제품 불매 운동에 참여한 적이 있다. 긴자(銀座. 일본의 번화가) 의 명품 점 앞에서 음료수「에비앙」을 흘려버리는 퍼포먼스를 하곤 했다. 당시 많은 매스컴들은 프랑스를 강력하게 비판하며, 우리들의 항의 행동을 호의적으로 보도했다.

그러한 행동을 나는 무인양품 본사나 점포에서도 하고 싶지는 않다. 이왕이면 냉정하게 기업답게 리스크 계산을 예측해서, 이스라엘 진출 결정을 철회하기를 바란다. 그럼에도 불구하고 진출을 강행한다면, 창조적 상상력을 발현 하여 무인양품 보이콧 운동을 국제적으로 전개할 수 밖에 없을 것이다. 다행히 보이콧 운동은 구매하지 않으면 되는 운동이자, 기쁘게도 가난한 사람들조차 할 수 있는 활동이다.

무인은 손상된 기업 이미지를 회복하는 게 간단하지 않을 것임을 깨달아야 한다. 1980년 세이유 (西友. 일본 할인 마트 중의 하나) 의 자체 브랜드에 불과했던 무인은, 1989년 이례적으로 한 개 사업부가 회사로서 독립을 했고. 이후 급성장을 이뤄 왔다. 80년 당시에는 40품목에 불과했던 품목 수는 현재 약7500점. 양품계획은 저렴한 전문점과의 경쟁을 의식하여, 품목을 5000점까지 좁히는 방침을 밝혔다고 한다.

또 현재 해외 진출을 가속화 하고 있고, 2011년 판매액이 2,000억 엔에 달할 것이라고 예상되고 있는 가운데, 이중 약 20%는 해외(아시아) 판매 비율일 것이라고 한다. 이번 이스라엘 진출 결정은 그 일환인 것이다.

「기업의 사회적 책임 (CSR)」이 떠들썩하게 선전되지 오랜 시간이 지났다. 무인은 기업으로서 윤리적 좌절의 길을 이대로 뛰어갈 것인가. 부끄러운 보이콧 리스트에 그 이름을 남길 것인가. 그것은「혈인악품」으로 향하는 길이다. 무인이 선택하는 길은 일본 기업의 CSR에 대한 본질을 만천하에 드러내는 것이 될 것이다.

무인의 양심이 시험대에 올라가 있다. 그리고 일본의 소비자, 시민의 도의적 수준 또한 시험대에 올라가 있다. 네 행동이 시험대에 올라가 있다.

(출전: 『IMPACTION』제175호, 2010년7월, 〈일어〉)

번역: ichi

Video Fwd: Voices from Israel: Daughter of Mossad Chief

Bruce Gagnon blog on July 7, 2010
Voices from Israel



"I refuse to take part in the war crimes committed by my country. Violence will not bring any kind of solution, and I shall not commit violence, come what may."

Omer Goldman, age 19, Tel Aviv

First Prison Sentence: 22nd Sept. - 10th Oct. 2008 (18 days)
Second Prison Sentence: 12th - 24th Oct. 2008 (10 days)

Omer Goldman, has had to confront the values of her own family. She is the daughter of the former deputy head of Mossad, the Israeli intelligence service and who is still considered one of the most powerful men in the Israeli security system. Omer, without her fathers permission visited a Palestinian town in the West Bank and at a check-point, alongside Palestinians, her supposed enemies, was fired upon by Israeli soldiers'

Texy Fwd: Provocations and war threats against Iran: is war imminent?

* Text sent by http://www.stopwaroniran.org on July 05, 2010

July 1, 2010

PROVOCATIONS AND WAR THREATS AGAINST IRAN:
IS WAR IMMINENT?

In the final two weeks of June we have seen a number of serious developments in the Middle East involving the United States, Israel, and the Islamic Republic of Iran. While almost completely ignored by the U.S. mainstream press, there is considerable alarm around the world and especially in the Middle East. Some of these developments are unprecedented and could denote a sharp escalation in the U.S./NATO and Israeli campaign against Iran, or even all-out war.

Anti-war and progressive people and organizations should note the following:

* On June 18, a U.S. naval carrier group, reportedly accompanied by at least one Israeli vessel, passed through the Suez Canal into the Red Sea and toward the Persian Gulf. The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Force, , included and aircraft carrier, guided missile cruiser, Aegis-class destroyers and the German frigate GGS Hessen.

*According to Iran's Fars New Agency, the Israeli Air Force recently unloaded military equipment at a Saudi Arabia base near the city of Tabuk.. Even more ominously, the Saudi's are reported to have realigned their missile defense system to allow for an air corridor for Israeli planes in the event of a war with Iran.

* U.S. forces stationed in the Central Asian country of Azerbaijan have massed along the Iran/Azerbaijani border. The U.S. forces, which are part of the so-called war on terror, are supposed to be supporting the war in Afghanistan. Iranian revolutionary guards have called in tanks and anti-aircraft units to the area in what amounts to a war alert.

* On July 1, President Barack Obama signed an agreement negotiated in the U.N Security Council stepping up sanctions on Iran and its economy. However, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) publicly worried that China may undercut the sanctions.

* On June 28, Iran announced that it would not challenge the Israeli blockade of Gaza at this time. An Iranian flotilla of ships carrying humanitarian aid and flying the Red Crescent, the Islamic equivalent of the Red Cross, was en route to Gaza accompanied by Iranian naval vessels. The expedition reportedly had the diplomatic support of both Russia and Turkey.

* Yesterday, June 30, Ali Akbar Salehi, the Islamic Republic's vice president and director of the nuclear program, announced that Iran has produced another 37 pounds of uranium enriched to 20 percent. Iran has a right to do this under the nuclear non-proliferation treaty which it signed (and the Israelis have not signed). Iran maintains that their nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. Significantly, the 20 percent level is far below the level needed to produce a nuclear weapon.

* There has been speculation that if the U.S. and NATO attempt to inspect Iranian ships in order to enforce the new sanctions, the resulting confrontation may lead to war.

* Among the world leaders who have issued strong warnings about U.S. intentions is Fidel Castro, who certainly knows what it is like to have your country threatened with military attack, including with nuclear weapons. In his published Reflections on June 27, he stressed the importance of the Cuban people, and progressives everywhere to be prepared to respond, even to the most horrendous catastrophe, which could be the outcome of a U.S.-Israeli war against Iran: "What would be [the worst] is to suddenly be made aware of news of serious events, without having heard any news whatsoever beforehand about such possibilities, thereby falling into confusion and panic...."

Much analysis is no doubt necessary to determine the seriousness of the above developments. It should be remembered, that almost all large military operations in this era require months, if not years, of meticulous planning. The fact that the Pentagon has not chosen to reveal their plans to the mainstream media does not mean that such plans do not exist. However, the most immediate task of anti-war and anti-imperialists around the world is to to respond quickly to these provocations emanating from Washington and prepare to resist any and all attempts to make war on Iran.

Take Action Now!

• Sign the Petition - http://www.stopwaroniran.org/petition.shtml
• Make an Emergency Donation to help with organizing expenses - http://stopwaroniran.org/donate.shtml
• Link to us - http://stopwaroniran.org/link.html

Text Fwd: George W. Bush’s invitation to Prayer Meeting for Peace draws criticism

President Lee Myung-bak, left, talks with former U.S. President George W. Bush at a hotel on Jeju Island, South Korea, August 2, 2009. 　

Hankyoreh
George W. Bush’s invitation to Prayer Meeting for Peace draws criticism
: Some Protestant groups say Bush fanned the flames of war and increased hostility toward N.Korea rather than promoting peace
Jun.22,2010

A controversy is raging in the South Korea’s Protestant Christian sector over a “Prayer Meeting for Peace” to mark the 60th anniversary of the Korean War, with former U.S. President George W. Bush as a special guest.

The prayer meeting is scheduled to take place Tuesday at the World Cup Stadium in Seoul’s Sangam neighborhood and will mainly have conservative Protestant figures in attendance. Bush is to give a testimony on the topic of “freedom,” while Rev. David Yonggi Cho of the Yoido Full Gospel Church and Rev. Billy Kim of Suwon Central Baptist Church plan to appear as speakers.

Bush accepted an invitation to attend from Rev. Billy Kim during his visit to Jeju Island last year to attend the 2009 summer forum held by the Federation of Korean Industries. In a prospectus, the prayer meeting’s preparatory committee stated, “Our hearts sink to see people relaxing their guard against North Korea, which has weapons of mass destruction pointed at us, members of the same people, and approaching it only with a sense of love among fellow Koreans.”

In response, thirty-seven Protestant groups, including the Christian Alliance for Church Reform, Bible Korea, and Christian Ethics Movement, held a press conference Monday at the United Christian Center on Seoul’s Jongno 5-ga Road, where they urged a cancellation of Bush’s attendance and the holding of a gathering purely for praying for the true peace of the Korean Peninsula. Protestant figures attending the press conference include former Unification Minister Lim Dong-won and former National Institute of Korean History President Lee Man-yeol.

“They have revealed the limitations of their historical understanding by sending a message of peace praying for reunification between North Korea and South Korea by inviting former President Bush,” said figures attending the conference. “Former President Bush is the man responsible for causing the Iraq and Afghanistan, leading to countless deaths and injuries, and pouring fuel on the cold war fire and on the Korean Peninsula throughout his term by adhering to a policy of hostility toward North Korea with no exit.”

The figures at the press conference also said, “If it is a peace prayer meeting, they should strongly encourage the governments of both North Korea and South Korea to lay down their senseless weapons.”

Please direct questions or comments to [englishhani@hani.co.kr]

_______________________________________________________________

# See the Statement, 'Bush: guest speaker at prayer for peace meeting in Korea?' by 17 Christian Peace Organizations HERE.

Video Fwd: VIDEO FROM THE SCENE OF THE KILLINGS

* Bruce Gagnon blog
June 10, 2010
Thursday, June 10, 2010
VIDEO FROM THE SCENE OF THE KILLINGS

Israeli Attack on the Mavi Marmara, May 31st 2010 // 15 min. from Cultures of Resistance on Vimeo.

This video was released today at the United Nations by activists who were on-board the Mavi Marmara. One women smuggled the video off the ship in her underwear. It is I believe the first such video made public since the Israeli attack on the ship.

We've heard from many of those on that humanitarian aid mission that the Israeli military took all their possessions - clothes, cameras, computers, video tapes, passports, etc - except for the clothes on their back. People are demanding that Israel release all of their belongings so that a real reconstruction of the events on that night could be made public.

So far Israel refuses to do so.

Text & Video fwd: IDF FORGES COMMUNICATIONS TAPE

Bruce Gagnon blog
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
IDF FORGES COMMUNICATIONS TAPE

This video released on May 31 by IDF

The video apparently doctored by the IDF, released on June 4

Progressive journalist Max Blumenthal, reporting from Israel, has proven that Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) forged an audio communication that was intended to paint the Free Gaza Movement in a negative light. He was able to force the IDF to acknowledge they had edited the audio transmission and he was able to get the New York Times to report this story - even though it was buried in their paper.

From the New York Times:

The I.D.F. make public what they said were audio transmissions that Israel’s navy received from the Mavi Marmara before the raid. The clip suggested that a polite request from the navy to the ship was met with responses from three people who said: “Shut up — go back to Auschwitz,” “We have permission from the Gaza Port Authority to enter,” and “We’re helping Arabs going against the U.S., don’t forget 9/11, guys.”

This clip, posted on the I.D.F.’s official YouTube channel on Friday, was met with immediate skepticism by some bloggers and journalists in Israel. Max Blumenthal pointed out in a post on his blog that the I.D.F. had already released video of what seemed like the same exchange four days earlier in which the only reply from the ship was “Negative, negative. Our destination is Gaza. Our destination is Gaza.”

Mr. Blumenthal suggested that at least one of the voices making the inflammatory remarks in the clip “sounded like an impersonation of an Arab.” He also noted that Huwaida Arraf, one of the organizers of the flotilla, said that it was her voice saying “We have permission from the Gaza Port Authority to enter.” But Ms. Arraf was not on the Mavi Marmara, which suggested that the I.D.F. tape was not an unedited snippet of the exchange between the naval ship and the Mavi Marmara.

On Saturday, the I.D.F. published what it called a “Clarification/Correction” regarding the clip which said that the audio had been edited.

Video Fwd: HOPE & SOLIDARITY - THE FIRST JOURNEY TO GAZA

* Bruce Gagnon blog
June 7, 2010


For more, please see HERE

"This is a very moving four-part series of clips about the first journey to Gaza in 2008 by the Free Gaza Movement.

It tells the story how they had to quietly organize the trip in fears that Israel would find ways to sabotage the boats or kill the organizers.

People around the world must continue to keep breaking Israel's illegal and immoral blockade of Gaza.

The people of Gaza deserve to be free."

Text Fwd: Was the Obama Administration involved in the Planning of the Israeli Attack on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla?: The Broader Military Agenda

* Text thankfully informed by M. S. on June 8, 2010 “Japan's relationship with NATO and Israel seems to be growing, while many citizens here are preoccupied with Okinawa base problem. But in a broader perspect, the Okinawa relocation base and that in Guam are connected to the security of the 'Sea Lane' from the Mediterranean to Hawaii for the conveniences of the US, NZ and Australia on its east end. And the new fact of the sea off the coast of Gaza as a place of natural gas reservoir explains why some countries give secret supports for Israel, while expanding PSI. http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=19573 So the efforts for thwarting the US ambition in Okinawa and Guam are meaningful in that respect as well. Without Japan's payment, both plans would be impossible. Thus, the US sends in a lot of influential intellectuals to persuade any Japanese government to keep its words, saying the Guam agreement between US-Japan alliance 'transcends any policymaker' in Japan Gates).” (M. S. on June 8, 2010) ____________________________________________________ 'Israel's blockade of Gaza is in large part motivated by the broader issue of control of Gaza's territorial waters, which contain significant reserves of natural gas. What is at stake is the confiscation of Palestinian gas fields and the unilateral de facto declaration of Israeli sovereignty over Gaza's maritime areas. If the blockade were to be broken, Israel's de facto control over Gaza's offshore gas reserves would be jeopardy.' (quote from the article) ____________________________________________________ Was the Obama Administration involved in the Planning of the Israeli Attack on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla? : The Broader Military Agenda By Michel Chossudovsky

Global Research, June 6, 2010

The Israeli Navy Commando had prior knowledge of who was on the Turkish ship including where passengers were residing in terms of cabin layout. According to Swedish author Henning Mankell, who was on board the Marmara , "the Israeli forces attacked sleeping civilians." These were targeted assassinations. Specific individuals were targeted. Journalists were targeted with a view to confiscating their audio and video recording equipment and tapes. "We were witnesses to premeditated murders," said historian Mattias Gardell who was on the Mavi Marmara. "...Asked about why activists on the Turkish ship had attacked the Israeli soldiers, Gardell stressed "it is not as if Israel is a police officer whom no human being has the legitimate right to defend him or herself against": "If you are attacked by commando troops you of course must have the right to defend yourself ... Many people on this ship thought they were going to kill everyone. They were very frightened ... It's strange if people think one should not defend oneself. Should you just sit there and say: 'Kill me'?" he said." (See Mahdi Darius Nazemroaya, Detailed Compiled Eyewitness Accounts Confirm Cold-Blooded Murder and Executions by Israeli Military, Global Research, June 1, 2010) “They even shot those who surrendered. Many of our friends saw this. They told me that there were handcuffed people who were shot,” (quoted by Press TV) The Israeli Commando had an explicit order to kill. What was the role of the United States? The raids on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla, bear the mark of previous Israeli operations directed against unarmed civilians. It is a well established modus operandi of Israeli military-intelligence operations, which is tacitly supported by the US administration. The killing of civilians is intended to trigger a response by Palestinian resistance forces, which in turn justifies Israeli retaliation (on "humanitarian" grounds) as well as a process of military escalation. The logic of this process was contained in Ariel Sharon`s "Operation Justified Vengeance" (also referred to as the "Dagan Plan") initiated at the outset the Sharon government in 2001. This Operation was intent upon destroying the Palestinian Authority and transforming Gaza into an urban prison. (See Michel Chossudovsky, "Operation Justified Vengeance": Israeli Strike on Freedom Flotilla to Gaza is Part of a Broader Military Agenda, Global Research, June 1, 2010). The Israeli attack on the Flotilla bears the fingerprints of a military intelligence operation coordinated by the IDF and Mossad, which is now headed by Meir Dagan. It is worth recalling that as a young Coronel, Dagan worked closely with then defense minister Ariel Sharon in the raids on the Palestinian settlements of Sabra and Shatilla in Beirut in 1982. There are indications that the US was consulted at the highest levels regarding the nature of this military operation. Moreover, in the wake of the attacks, both the US and the UK have unequivocally reaffirmed their support to Israel. There are longstanding and ongoing military and intelligence relations between the US and Israel including close working ties between various agencies of government: Pentagon, National Intelligence Council, State Department, Homeland Security and their respective Israeli counterparts. These various agencies of government are involved in routine liaison and consultations, usually directly as well as through the US Embassy in Israel, involving frequent shuttles of officials between Washington and Tel Aviv as well as exchange of personnel. Moreover, the US as well as Canada have public security cooperation agreements with Israel pertaining to the policing of international borders, including maritime borders. (See Israel-USA Homeland Security Cooperation, See also Michel Chossudovsky, The Canada-Israel "Public Security" Agreement, Global Research, 2 April 2008) The Role of Rahm Emmanuel Several high level US-Israel meetings were held in the months prior to the May 31st attacks. Rahm Emmanuel, Obama's White House chief of Staff was in Tel Aviv a week prior to the attacks. Confirmed by press reports, he had meetings behind closed doors with Prime Minister Netanyahu (May 26) as well as a private visit with President Shimon Peres on May 27. May 26 meeting between Rahm Emmanuel and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu Official statements do not indicate whether other officials including cabinet ministers or IDF and Mossad officials were present at the Rahm Emmanuel-Netanyahu meeting. The Israeli press confirmed that Rahm Emmanuel had a meeting with Defense Minister Ehud Barak, whose Ministry was responsible for overseeing the Commando attack on the Flotilla. (Rahm Emanuel visits Israel to celebrate son's bar mitzvah - Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News, 23 May 2010). The White House also confirmed that Rahm Emmanuel was to meet other high-ranking Israeli officials, without providing further details. (Rahm Emanuel in Israel for Son's Bar Mitzvah, May Meet With Officials) "Our Man in the White House" While born in the US, Rahm Emmanuel also holds Israeli citizenship and has served in the Israeli military during the First Gulf War (1991). Rahm is also known for his connections to the pro-Israeli lobby in the US. The Israeli newspaper Maariv calls him "Our Man in the White House" (quoted in Irish Times, March 13, 2010). Rahm Emmanuel gave his support to Obama in the November 2008 presidential elections following Obama`s address to the pro-Israeli lobby AIPAC. At the time of Rahm Emmanuel's confirmation as White House chief of staff, there were reports in the Middle East media of Rahm Emanuel's connections to Israeli intelligence. The exact nature of Rahm Emmanuel's ties to the Israeli military and intelligence apparatus, however, is not the main issue. What we are dealing with is a broad process of bilateral coordination and decision-making between the two governments in the areas of foreign policy, intelligence and military planning, which has been ongoing for more than 50 years. In this regard, Israel, although exercising a certain degree of autonomy in military and strategic decisions, will not act unilaterally, without receiving the "green light" from Washington. Rahm Emmanuel`s meetings with the prime minister and Israeli officials are part of this ongoing process. Rahm Emmanuel's meetings in Tel Aviv on May 26 were a routine follow-up to visits to Washington by Prime Minister Netanyahu in March and by Minister of Defense Ehud Barak in late April. In these various bilateral US-Israel encounters at the White House, the state Department and the Pentagon, Rahm Emmanuel invariably plays a key role. While the pro-Israeli lobby in the US influences party politics in America, Washington also influences the direction of Israeli politics. There have been reports to the effect that Rahm Emmanuel would "lead a team of high octane Democratic party pro-Israel political operatives to run the campaign for the Defense Minister Ehud Barak" against Netanyahu in the next Israeli election. (Ira Glunts, Could Rahm Emanuel Help Barak Unseat Netanyahu? Palestine Chronicle, June 2, 2010) The April 27 meeting between US Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Defense Minister Barak pertained to "a range of important defense issues" directly or indirectly related to the status of the Palestinian territories under Israeli occupation: "As President Obama has affirmed, the United States commitment to Israel's security is unshakable, and our defense relationship is stronger than ever, to the mutual benefit of both nations. The United States and our ally Israel share many of the same security challenges, from combating terrorism to confronting the threat posed by Iran's nuclear-weapons program. For years, the United States and Israel have worked together to prepare our armed forces to meet these and other challenges, a recent major example being the Juniper Cobra joint exercise held last October. Our work together on missile-defense technology is ongoing, and the United States will continue to ensure that Israel maintains its qualitative military edge." (Press Conference with Secretary Gates and Israeli Defense Minister Barak, April 2010 - Council on Foreign Relations April 27, 2010) These consultations pertained to ongoing military preparations regarding Iran. Both Israel and the US have recently announced that a pre-emptive attack against Iran has been contemplated. Washington views Israel as being "'integrated into America’s military architecture,' especially in the missile defense sphere." (quoted in Emanuel to rabbis: US 'screwed up' Jerusalem Post, statement of Dennis Ross, who is in charge of the US administration’s Iran policy in the White House, May 16, 2010). Targeting Iran The attack on the Freedom Flotilla, might appear as a separate and distinct humanitiarian issue, unrelated to US-Israeli war plans. But from the standpoint of both Tel Aviv and Washington, it is part of the broader military agenda. It is intended to create conditions favoring an atmosphere of confrontation and escalation in the Middle East war theater; "All the signs are that Israel has been stepping up its provocations to engineer a casus belli for a war against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Tel Aviv sees as unfinished business its inconclusive wars: the first in Lebanon in 2006, and the second in Gaza in 2008-09." (Jean Shaoul Washington Comes to the Aid of Israel over Gaza Convoy Massacre, Global Research, June 4, 2010) Following Israel's illegal assault in international waters, Netanyahu stated emphatically "Israel will continue to exercise its right to self defence. We will not allow the establishment of an Iranian port in Gaza," suggesting that the Gaza blockade was part of the pre-emptive war agenda directed against Iran, Syria and Lebanon. (Israeli forces board Gaza aid ship the Rachel Corrie - Telegraph, June 5, 2010, emphasis added) . Moreover, the raid on the Flotilla coincided with NATO-Israel war games directed against Iran. According to the Sunday Times, "three German-built Israeli submarines equipped with nuclear cruise missiles are to be deployed in the Gulf near the Iranian coastline." (Israel Deploys Three Nuclear Cruise Missile-Armed Subs Along Iranian Coastline). While Israeli naval deployments were underway in the Persian Gulf, Israel was also involved in war games in the Mediterranean. The war game codenamed "MINOAS 2010" was carried out at a Greek air base in Souda Bay, on the island of Crete. Earlier in February, The Israeli air force "practiced simulated strikes at Iran's nuclear facilities using airspace of two Arab countries in the Persian Gulf, which are close territorially with the Islamic republic and cooperate with Israel on this issue." Ria Novosti,War Games: Israel gets ready to Strike at Iran's Nuclear Sites,, March 29, 2010) Also, in the wake of the final resolution of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation directed against Israel's nuclear weapons program, the White House has reaffirmed its endorsement of Israel's nuclear weapons capabilities. Washington's statement issued one day before the raid on the flotilla points to unbending US support to "Israel's strategic and deterrence capabilities", which also include the launching of a pre-emptive nuclear attack on Iran: "a senior political source in Jerusalem said Sunday that Israel received guarantees from U.S. President Barack Obama that the U.S. would maintain and improve Israel's strategic and deterrence capabilities. According to the source, "Obama gave [Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu unequivocal guarantees that include a substantial upgrade in Israel-U.S. relations." Obama promised that no decision taken during the recent 189-nation conference to review and strengthen the 40-year-old Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty "would be allowed to harm Israel's vital interests," the sources said. Obama promised to bolster Israel's strategic capabilities, Jerusalem officials say - Haaretz Daily Newspaper) Robert Gates and Israel's Minister of Defense Ehud Barak, Press Conference, April 27, 2010 The Turkey-Israel Relationship in Jeopardy? The actions of Israel against the Freedom Flotilla have important ramifications. Israel's criminal actions in international waters has contributed to weakening the US-NATO-Israel military alliance. The bilateral Israel-Turkey alliance in military, intelligence, joint military production is potentially in jeopardy. Ankara has already announced that three planned military exercises with Israel have been cancelled. "The government announced it was considering reducing its relations with Israel to a minimum." It should be understood that Israel and Turkey are partners and major actors in the US-NATO planned aerial attacks on Iran, which have been in the pipeline since mid-2005. The rift between Turkey and Israel has a direct bearing on NATO as a military alliance. Turkey is one of the more powerful NATO member states with regard to its conventional forces. The rift with Israel breaks a consensus within the Atlantic Alliance. It also undermines ongoing US-NATO-Israel pre-emptive war plans directed against Iran, which until recently were endorsed by the Turkish military. From the outset in 1992, the Israeli-Turkish military alliance was directed against Syria, as well as Iran and Iraq. (For details see See Michel Chossudovsky, "Triple Alliance": The US, Turkey, Israel and the War on Lebanon, Global Research, 2006) In 1997, Israel and Turkey launched "A Strategic Dialogue" involving a bi-annual process of high level military consultations by the respective deputy chiefs of staff. (Milliyet, Istanbul, in Turkish 14 July 2006). During the Clinton Administration, a triangular military alliance between the US, Israel and Turkey had unfolded. This "triple alliance", which in practice is dominated by the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, integrates and coordinates military command decisions between the three countries pertaining to the broader Middle East. It is based on the close military ties respectively of Israel and Turkey with the US, coupled with a strong bilateral military relationship between Tel Aviv and Ankara. Starting in 2005, Israel has become a de facto member of NATO. The triple alliance was coupled with a 2005 NATO-Israeli military cooperation agreement which included "many areas of common interest, such as the fight against terrorism and joint military exercises. These military cooperation ties with NATO are viewed by the Israeli military as a means to "enhance Israel's deterrence capability regarding potential enemies threatening it, mainly Iran and Syria." ("Triple Alliance": The US, Turkey, Israel and the War on Lebanon). The Issue of Territorial Waters Israel's blockade of Gaza is in large part motivated by the broader issue of control of Gaza's territorial waters, which contain significant reserves of natural gas. What is at stake is the confiscation of Palestinian gas fields and the unilateral de facto declaration of Israeli sovereignty over Gaza's maritime areas. If the blockade were to be broken, Israel's de facto control over Gaza's offshore gas reserves would be jeopardy. (See Michel Chossudovsky,War and Natural Gas: The Israeli Invasion and Gaza's Offshore Gas Fields, Global Research, January 8, 2009. See also Michel Chossudovsky, The War on Lebanon and the Battle for Oil, Global Research, July 23, 2006)

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the Centre for Research on Globalization. The contents of this article are of sole responsibility of the author(s). The Centre for Research on Globalization will not be responsible or liable for any inaccurate or incorrect statements contained in this article. To become a Member of Global Research The CRG grants permission to cross-post original Global Research articles on community internet sites as long as the text & title are not modified. The source and the author's copyright must be displayed. For publication of Global Research articles in print or other forms including commercial internet sites, contact: crgeditor@yahoo.com www.globalresearch.ca contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available to our readers under the provisions of "fair use" in an effort to advance a better understanding of political, economic and social issues. The material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving it for research and educational purposes. If you wish to use copyrighted material for purposes other than "fair use" you must request permission from the copyright owner. For media inquiries: crgeditor@yahoo.com © Copyright Michel Chossudovsky, Global Research, 2010 The url address of this article is: www.globalresearch.ca/PrintArticle.php?articleId=19573

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Text Fwd: [Ariel Ky] connects the dots between Jeju and Gaza

* Image source: google
* Image source: google
* Image source: Bruce Gagnon blog, June 3, 2010


Defining Moments in Activating Our Will to Resist Militarism
-- Support Jeju Islanders of South Korea in Resisting Construction of a Military Base and Support the International Activisits on the MV Rachel Corrie Still Running the Israeli Blockade to Bring Aid to Gazans

By Ariel Ky
June 3, 2010

Cranes moved in this morning on the island of Jeju in South Korea as plans to begin construction of a military base on were being carried out. Villagers, receiving a last minute alert of plans to break ground today, camped out through the night to defend their territory. They have been fighting this past year to stave off this moment. The report came from Sung-Hee Choi, a Korean peace activist this morning, [Jeju Update] Cranes Came but Withdrew. Gangjeong Villagers Keep Watching; In June 2 Election, the Ruling Right Wing Party Was Defeated

The cranes retreated in face of the continued resistance of the villagers of Jeju Island of South Korea. However, the villagers know that they will return, and they may have to put their lives on the line, like Rachel Corrie, the peace activist who was murdered March 16, 2003 when she put herself in front of the Israeli bulldozers that were set to destroy Palestinians’ homes in Rafah.

Across the Asian continent from South Korea, on another sea, the Mediterranean, the spirit of Rachel Corrie inspires the peace activists in the boat named after her that is still heading towards Palestine with relief to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza, despite the murders of other peace activists by Israeli commandos who attacked the flotilla earlier this week and confiscated their ships, arresting the international peace activists on board and preventing them from delivering aid to the beleagured Gazans. Speaking from the ship today, Mr Graham, an Irish national, said the vessel was carrying educational materials, construction materials, medical equipment and some toys. There are no guns or weapons or terrorist materials.

These are defining moments in the collective story of the human race at this time. Although the activists are small in number, their will is strong to champion what they hold dear, the values that make us most wonderful in our humanity: our love for each other, our commitment to reach out and help each other, and to defend ourselves.

This is what resistance to the American military empire looks like today. Because, of course, it’s the U.S. military that’s demanding the South Koreans build a military base at Jeju Island so its Aegis destroyers can blockade the Yellow Sea. It’s the U.S. military standing behind the Israelis and continually supporting whatever they do to the Palestinians that has provided the platform for the recent atrocity at sea.

Light a candle, people, and hold it high for the spirit of resistance to prevail, and for those willing to fight against oppression. Light a candle for freedom. Light a candle in your home and in your heart to honor the courage of those who resist and are willing to put their lives on the line for what they believe.

These are defining moments not just for courageous international peace activists and a small group of South Korean villagers resisting military plans for their home. These are defining moments for each and everyone of us because our collective destiny is irrevocably intertwined. I hope that everyone who reads this finds another way soon… before it is too late. We must take a stance for the kind of world we want to live in, for ourselves, our children, our grandchildren and future generations. If the will is there, we will find another way up the mountain, over the mountain, or even around the mountain. The light of truth will lead us out of this darkness as we come together in our determination to help one another and make things right and good for everyone.

Emails Surge Urging the Protests against Israeli Killing of the International Activists in the Sea!

* Image source: Pressian(Korean progressive site), June 1, 2010
'People in Turkey protest against Israel on the worldwide protest day on June 1, 2010.'

* Image source: Sabbah Report
'A young boy protests outside Downing St, London on May 31, 2010.A large demonstration took place in London after more than 16 people were killed by Israeli commandos when they stormed a ship part of a flotilla of six carrying 1,000 tonnes of aid to the Gaza Strip, AFP/Getty Images'
* Image source: Sabbah Report
'Illustration by Carlos Latuff'
* Image source: Face Book
__________________________________________________________

* For the videos in Bruce Gagnon blog, see HERE

* See also Sabbah Report (For Raw Footages, See Here)

* See also DMZ Hawai'i (Kyle Kajihiro also informs the Al Jazeera News and New York Times article.)

* See also Ten Thousand Things:
NGOs & governments of Britain, France, Germany, Lebanon & Turkey condemn Israeli military assault killing 19 humanitarian aid workers en route to Gaza

__________________________________________________________

* Text sent from Corazon Fabros on June 1, 2010

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=123862724315095

INDIGNATION RALLY

Date: Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Time: 10:00am - 11:30am
Location: Infront of Israel Embassy
Street: Trafalgar Plaza, 105 H. B. dela Costa St., Salcedo Village, Makati
City/Town: Manila, Philippines

STOP the War Coalition Philippines
CONDEMN ISRAEL'S ATTACK ON THE FREEDOM FLOTILLA.
END THE OCCUPATION OF GAZA!

__________________________________________________________

* Text sent from Stephanie Westbrook on Tue, June 1, 2010

From [USC4P&J Members] demo today, 5pm, Israeli Embassy

Please join a demonstration today called by the Palestinian Community at 5pm at the Israeli Embassy, intersection of Via Aldovrandi and Via Mercati, near Villa Borghese and the Rome Zoo.

The protest calls for the immediate release of the international activists, including 5 Italians seized yesterday in the Mediterranean and condemns this act of piracy by the Israeli navy resulting in 10 dead and dozens injured.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010, 5pm
Israeli Embassy
Via Ulisse Aldovrandi and Via Michele Mercati
Buses 88, 95, 409, 495, M or Tram 3, 19

Please try to make it. US tax dollars pay for Israeli combat vessels.


* Stephanie Westbrook has also sent on May 31, 2010

See below press release from Free Gaza from ealier this morning. Reports of 10-16 dead, dozens of injured. Please come out today at 5pm at Piazza San Marco (P. Venezia) to protest this vile attack on human rights activists in international waters. Stephanie

(Cyprus, June 1, 2010, 6:30 am) Under darkness of night, Israeli commandoes dropped
from a helicopter onto the Turkish passenger ship, Mavi Marmara, and began to shoot the
moment their feet hit the deck. They fired directly into the crowd of civilians asleep.
According to the live video from the ship, two have been killed, and 31 injured. Al Jazeera
has just confirmed the numbers.

Streaming video shows the Israeli soldiers shooting at civilians, and our last SPOT beacon said, "HELP, we are being contacted by the Israelis."

We know nothing about the other five boats. Israel says they are taking over the boats.

The coalition of Free Gaza Movement (FG), European Campaign to End the Siege of Gaza (ECESG), Insani Yardim Vakfi (IHH), the Perdana Global Peace Organisation , Ship to Gaza, Greece, Ship to Gaza Sweden, and the International Committee to Lift the Siege on Gaza appeal to the international community to demand that Israel stop their brutal attack on civilians delivering vitally needed aid to the imprisoned Palestinians of Gaza and permit the ships to continue on their way.

The attack has happened in international waters, 75 miles off the coast of Israel, in direct
violation of international law.

__________________________________________________________

* Text sent from International Action Center on Tue, June 1, 2010

Protest Israeli Massacre and Piracy –

10 killed, 50 injured in Israeli attack in international waters on unarmed Free Gaza Flotilla

Emergency demonstrations in NYC
Monday: 3pm - Times Square 47th St & 7th Ave.

and

Tuesday: 5pm - Israeli Mission 42nd St & 2nd Ave.

The International Action Center joins with the Gaza Freedom March, Al Awda Palestine Right to Return Coalition NY and a number of Palestine solidarity and human rights activists and organizations in calling for Emergency protests on Monday and Tuesday in response to the brutal Israeli attack on 600 unarmed Palestine Solidarity activists participating in the Free Gaza Flotilla.

The Free Gaza Flotilla, comprised of 6 ships bringing emergency supplies to the Palestinians held under Israeli siege in Gaza , was attacked in international waters by 14 Israeli ships, helicopters and masked Israeli commandos.

Sara Flounders, Co-Director of International Action Center, said "This attack and the brutal starvation siege of Gaza would not have been possible without the billions of dollars in international aid that Washington gives to Israel every year for more than 60 years. This latest massacre is an act of international piracy. We must reinforce the efforts to Boycott, Divest and Sanction this racist regime and demand an end to all U.S. aid to Israel .

AlAwda NYC points out that live footage from one of the boats reveals the Israeli soldiers were heavily masked and carrying live ammunition which they used on the unarmed passengers. None of the passengers or activists were armed. Israel has continuously seized and refused to release emergency aid supplies to the besieged people of Gaza.

__________________________________________________________

* Text sent from USC4P&J Announcements on Tue, June 1, 2010

Dear Members,

Please join us in protesting against the war in Afghanistan and against all wars and military occupations tomorrow, on “Italian Republic Day”, which will be celebrated in Rome with an ostentatious military parade along Via dei Fori Imperiali.

We will be gathering at Ponte Sant’Angelo together with a network of Italian peace groups to metaphorically “Sweep Away” war and all its filth and dirty lies! While children from the Iqbal Masih school create an outdoor “peace studio” devoted to anti-war drawings, a number of us, dressed as street cleaners and wielding brooms and wheelbarrows, will sweep away fake arms and miniature columns of (toy) tanks and artillery from the roadway. Join in!

Wednesday, June 2, 2010
10 am – 1:30 pm
Ponte S. Angelo
(spanning the Tiber from Castel Sant’Angelo to Lungotevere Tor di Nona)

On May 27th, the U.S. Senate voted 80 to 18 to approve $33.5 billion for the Pentagon and fully pay for the additional 30,000 troops in the administration’s build-up in Afghanistan. Senator Russ Feingold, Democrat of Wisconsin, an opponent of the war in Afghanistan, decried the lack of discussion about the nation’s role in Afghanistan even as Congress was providing new financing for the almost nine-year-old conflict.

“I’m disappointed we are about to pass a bill providing tens of billions of dollars to keep this war going with so little public debate about whether this approach even makes sense,” Mr. Feingold said. “I hope my colleagues will agree that the American people deserve an answer to the question: How much longer?”

Let’s add our voices in trying to stop this supplemental military spending bill from being passed in Congress: go to http://noescalation.org/ for information on how to join the call in.

Let’s call on President Obama to make real changes in U.S. foreign policy: to withdraw troops in Afghanistan, condemn Israel’s repeated violations of international laws and truly work towards achieveing a just peace in the Middle East.

Join us in our “counter parade” on June 2nd at Ponte Sant’Angelo! If you can, please email us to let us know you're coming and if you’d like to put on a street cleaner’s outfit, too: info@peaceandjustice.it.

Please help us draw greater numbers to this lively anti-war event by circulating our flyer among your friends and acquaintances. You can download it from our site: www.peaceandjustice.it. There you'll also find the minutes from our last General Meeting (www.peaceandjustice.it/meeting-190510.php).

See you tomorrow!

Anna, Becky, Gene, and Maria Chiara
--
U.S. Citizens for Peace & Justice - Rome
info@peaceandjustice.it www.peaceandjustice.it

__________________________________________________________

* Text from Joanne Landy-Campaign for Peace & Democracy on June 1, 2010

Emergency! - Protest Israeli Attack on Gaza Freedom Flotilla!
CPD urges you to join the protest!
PROTEST ISRAELI ATTACK
ON GAZA FREEDOM FLOTILLA
From United for Peace and Justice

Last night the Israeli navy attacked humanitarian ships in international waters in the middle of the night. Reports indicate that 10-16 humanitarian activists were killed and 50-60 were injured. The ships were seized by the Israeli navy and taken to Haifa to avoid press at Ashdod. UFPJ condemns the Israeli Government for their brutal attack on unarmed civilians. Protests have taken place across the world and a number of Governments are taking action.

The U.S. arms Israel to the tune of billions of dollars a year and hence shares responsibility for this atrocity. How many more must die before the Obama Administration cuts off the aid we give to Israel each year?

On board were 750 people of conscience from 40 different countries, including 35 international politicians intent on breaking the Israeli-Egyptian blockade. We offer our sincerest condolences to family and friends who have lost loved ones in the attack. One of the boats was named after Rachel Corrie, to honor this strong young woman killed by the Israel Defense Forces in April 2003.

Demonstrate!

Demonstrations are being organized in Washington DC, New York, and Boston. Please join in where you can or organize your own. It is time to end the blockade of Gaza and the Israeli occupation of Palestine by ending US support for Israeli slaughter.

New York - 3pm today (Monday, May 31), Times Square

Washington, DC - 3pm today, Israeli Embassy, 3514 International Drive NW (Van Ness metro) - Moving on to the White House at 5pm

Boston - 4pm today, Park Street Station

Use Memorial Day to memorialize all the brave activists, show our outrage, and let the world know we are not sleeping!

Contact the White House!

Call or email to demand an immediate cutoff of U.S. aid to Israel.
Email the White House: http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact.
Comments: 202-456-1111
Switchboard: 202-456-1414

Contact the U.S. Mission to the United Nations and demand that U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice vote to support a UN Security Council resolution condemning Israel's action and initiating an investigation. 212-415-4062

Background

The UN Special Rapporteur for the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Richard Falk, urged Monday the international community to bring to justice those responsible for the killing of some 16 unarmed peace activist, when Israeli armed commandos stormed a convoy of ships carrying aid to Gaza.

"Israel is guilty of shocking behavior by using deadly weapons against unarmed civilians on ships that were situated in the high seas where freedom of navigation exists, according to the law of the seas," Mr. Falk said. "It is essential that those Israelis responsible for this lawless and murderous behavior, including political leaders who issued the orders, be held criminally accountable for their wrongful acts."

By sailing directly to Gaza, outside of Israeli waters, with cargo banned illegally by Israel, such as the 10,000 tonnes of badly needed concrete, toys, workbooks, chocolate, pasta and substantial medical supplies, the flotilla is exercising international law and upholding article 33 of the Geneva Convention which clearly states that collective punishment is a crime against humanity.

The hardships of Israel's closure of Gaza have been well documented by all human rights groups operating, most recently by Amnesty International in their Annual Human Rights Report concluding that the siege has "deepened the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Mass unemployment, extreme poverty, food insecurity and food price rises caused by shortages left four out of five Gazans dependent on humanitarian aid. The scope of the blockade and statements made by Israeli officials about its purpose showed that it was being imposed as a form of collective punishment of Gazans, a flagrant violation of international law."

For updates go to http://witnessgaza.com/ and http://www.freegaza.org/


UNITED FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE
www.unitedforpeace.org | 212-868-5545
PO Box 607; Times Square Station; New York, NY 10108

To subscribe, visit www.unitedforpeace.org/email

Campaign for Peace and Democracy
2790 Broadway, #12 | New York, NY 10025